Shedd Looks For Shot With Bears

August 02, 1995|By Mike Kiley, Tribune Staff Writer.

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Some player names are meant for headlines. SHEDD SHEDS TACKLES, BEARS WIN. Kenny Shedd sees that banner float by in his mind every so often when he stops and thinks of what might be.

These are big dreams for a little wide receiver from Northern Iowa, someone listed at 5 feet 9 inches and 171 pounds. But they are coming ever closer to reality, to a SHEDD STICKS WITH TEAM headline.

Especially when almost two weeks into training camp coach Dave Wannstedt is still using a word such as outstanding to describe Shedd's performance. Shedd refuses to fade back to the practice squad and a life in the shadows of greatness.

"The whole wide receiving group has been outstanding, but Shedd has really been outstanding," Wannstedt said Tuesday.

On Monday, quarterback Erik Kramer had the fans, and even Wannstedt, applauding when he connected deep twice with Curtis Conway. Because of Conway's reputation, you expected to see him dancing on the receiving end, befitting his first-round draft acquisition two years ago.

But here came this No. 19 out of nowhere to provide a third passing highlight for Kramer as he threw perfectly down the right sideline to Shedd and between two defenders. Fifth-round draft choices frequently don't turn out this well.

Shedd, who was also in the draft in 1993, has paid his dues. He has spent the last two seasons on practice squads, first with the New York Jets and then with the Bears.

"Being on a practice squad for a second straight year didn't help me in any way," Shedd said. "When I got the call from Chicago I knew it was a longshot to go from an inactive roster to an active roster and play off the bat.

"But just to get on an active roster was my goal, to prove to myself I can remain with the 53-man roster. I'm very anxious for the first game. "

That preseason game will be Friday night in Soldier Field against the expansion Carolina Panthers. It is important for many Bears, but not as critical for some as for Shedd. His play on special teams, returning kickoffs and possibly punts, could determine if he is one of the wide receivers to survive the final cut.

He recognizes that Conway, Jeff Graham and Michael Timpson will handle most of the wide receiver chores and be asked to make the glorious catches that get you on TV and in headlines. Any role is fine with Shedd.

"I have to make sure Friday I don't make any mistakes and make something good happen," he said. "I know there's an opening at kick returner and that's what I'm focusing on."

Shedd was a record-setting punt returner at Northern Iowa, establishing an NCAA Division I-AA mark with seven punts returned for a touchdown. He tied the season standard of four. He also set school records in receiving (2,243 yards), punt return yards (1,072) and kickoff return yards (1,359).

However, the NFL is a long way from that level. It is a leap many can't make.

"These guys," Shedd said, speaking of the elite Bears receivers, "you can tell by watching them that when they have to make the big plays they make them. Watching them helps me know what it takes to stay in the big leagues, how to react to situations.

"I didn't look at Chicago as a tough receiver situation, but one where I had to come in and play well. Day by day, I try to think of different ways of displaying my talents out there on the field and capitalizing on my chance, whether it's going downfield and making a big grab or catching punts and kickoffs.

" It's going to be a long training camp. Last Saturday against Cleveland was a test, but this is going to be a bigger test."

Against the Browns in a controlled scrimmage, Shedd made an especially good move on one of his kick returns. He gained some notice, but wasn't a standout.

To make this team, he needs to turn in a big play Friday , something the coaches can remember him by.

"In the NFL, if you can play, you're going to get your shot, whether you're from Northern Iowa or wherever," he said. "This is my shot."